TORCHLIGHTS VIII CHOOSE LOVE

Transcription

1 MARCH 2015 MEMBER OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION VOLUME XV, ISSUE III SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MARCH SERVICES ARE HELD FROM 10:30 AM TO 11:30 AM MARCH 1: SHAWN COLLINS, MIDGE BIRGERS, AND JAN BUTORAC Famous Unitarian Universalist Women In honor of the Women s History Month, we will explore the impact that several prominent UU women have had in their fields of endeavor: Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing; Julia Ward Howe, a renowned abolitionist, social activist, poet; and Malvina Reynolds, a leader in the folk movement and an influential political activist. Service Leader: Michele Barnes MARCH 8: SHAWN COLLINS "Life at Death's Door" I will attempt to do justice to a subject that has deeper implications than most can ponder. Personally, I dealt with losing my mother recently and this gives me a bit more credence. This is a struggle with how faith and knowledge sows a vision of life that composes its own sonnet Service Leader: Janice Nelson MARCH 15: MARIA ADKINS "Ritual Is Not a Dirty Word" In this interactive service, we will take a look at the rituals of various religions and cultures. We will talk about the sociological impact of rituals and traditions in building community. Myrna Steele will play the harp for us that day, and we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some traditional Celtic music and ritual. Service Leader: Cynthia Rand MARCH 22: MICHELE BARNES "Ostara: The Spring Equinox" As the wheel of the year turns and spring returns again, we turn our thoughts to fertility, be it fertility of the mind, body, spirit, or the earth. Service Leader: Dorie Silverman MARCH 29: RABBI BIRDIE BECKER Celebrating Pesach/Passover Rabbi Birdie Becker, cantor and rabbi of Temple Emanuel here in Pueblo, will talk about the history and meaning of Pesach and how it is celebrated today. You probably know it as Passover, the important commemoration of the liberation of the Israelites under Moses from slavery by the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt, the Bible story told in the Book of Exodus. Service Leader: Louise Burg TORCHLIGHTS VIII CHOOSE LOVE Valentine s Day has passed and we ve had our services dedicated to choosing love as the appropriate response to hatred in its many forms. I caught myself wondering how this response applies when considering our concepts of right and wrong. For instance, I think we can agree that it s wrong to kill. But then we make exceptions. What about war whether it s on our streets or nation against nation? What about carrying a weapon for personal defense? Think of any moral certitude and we can always come up with exceptions to the rule. We tend to think of our own moral code as the standard in determining whether others are right or wrong. I think of George Bush s statement of you re either with us or you re with the terrorists. Oh, if it were just so simple. If only life were black and white and everyone lived by the same moral code. I ve discovered that not everyone shares all my concepts of right and wrong. I ve also discovered that when differences arise and conflict ensues, the climate is ripe for war. I m not talking about the large national or global conflicts here, although the same concept applies on a much grander scale. I m talking about our own interpersonal conflicts. I am unable to count the many instances in which I thought any significant other (wife, child, sibling, co-worker, boss, etc.) was wrong and I was right! I would embark on my own personal crusade; Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

2 marshalling every talking point I could muster to prove my stand. It was important to my ego that the other acknowledge that I was right. Meanwhile, the other was doing the same. It s not hard to see how this approach can engender anger, hurt, animosity, and even hatred. It all stems from our own sense of self-righteousness. When we look at this critically, employing our individual concepts of right and wrong as a basis for interpersonal relationships yields questionable results at best. Our basic instinct is to draw to us those that agree with us (friends) and dismiss those (enemies) who do not. A more effective tool for interpersonal relationships would be to choose love. We would respond to others as we would prefer to be treated. When asked about his spirituality, the Dali Lama replied it was simple, really. His spirituality embodies compassion and kindness and empathy toward others. He chooses love. Coming as we do from so many different backgrounds and faith traditions whether it be Christian or Buddhist or Humanist or Atheist or one of the many others that exist, I do think we can agree on one thing. Our highest calling is a call to love and respect ourselves and each other. It s a simple solution, really; just not always easy to do. Stephen Acker Board President, First Unitarian Society MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SHAWN COLLINS Shawn was born in Dallas, Texas but considers Colorado Springs his home town. Shawn is a long-time member of First Unitarian Society and is Member at Large for Programs Board of Directors. He also teaches religious education and the kids love him! He found peace as a UU by realizing that the god he was indoctrinated into was nowhere to be found here. He also finds peace in Cheyenne Canyon and similar locations, and is always struggling to escape to these places. The majority of the time he enjoys with family or off in his own world. Shawn works with autistic students at South High School, sharing his gifts for empathy and patience to help them accommodate for their disabilities. He is extremely devoted to his students, and hates to take off from work so much that he s accumulated months of vacation! Shawn composes and plays music for piano, some pieces that he plays regularly, and others composed on the fly as a one-time gift to the listener. He is married to Natalie Florentine, who is a high school math teacher; they have two children, Fletcher, 14, and Tirzah, 18. Natalie has spoken to our congregation several times in the past, primarily about her quest as a Buddhist. Shawn s beloved mother Jeannine died in January, and he learned much about life and death during her illness. He believes the circumstances of her death have helped him grow spiritually and have opened a new chapter in his own life. SOCIAL JUSTICE POTLUCK AND MOVIE ON 2/14 PROVED ENGAGING AND DELISH! What a feast! And all that came were impressed by the message of the social justice documentary, Occupy Love, which was selected by the Social Justice Committee in honor of Valentine s Day. Feeding frenzy! Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

3 process. She received a call to rent the fellowship hall for a birthday, but they did not follow up. Fundraising: Preparing for fundraising breakfast on Feb. 15; breakfast burritos. Planning for big yard sale on May 9. Building and Grounds: Date for stripping and waxing of vinyl floors scheduled for 2/23, with a furniture moving party at 3:30 that day. (Has since been postponed to 3/3, with furniture moved out after service on 3/1. See calendar.) Programs: Midge Birgers reported that all March Sunday service slots are filled; they are working on April and May. Member Support: New Membership Handbook and new brochure called Thinking about Membership? are now available. The new greeter schedule seems to be working well. The committee announced the film for February movie and potluck night. The Membership Committee provided the Board with a definitive list of all members. So many delightful dishes from which to choose! Mountain Desert District 2015 Annual Meeting April 10-12, 2015 The MDD s annual meeting is in Denver this year! Let s get a group together and drive on up. Even if it s only for one of the two days, it s fun and interesting, and we can be proud that we represent FUS. Denver Tech Center Marriott Keynote address by Mark Ewert, author of The Generosity Path I see Dorie going back for seconds! BOARD BITS The Board of Directors met on February 11 at 6:15. The following transpired: Finance: Jan Butorac, Treasurer, reported that she has sent quarterly and annual statements to all contributors to FUS in The Board reviewed finances and determined that we are on track, both in revenues and spending. Administration: Michele Barnes reported our church membership numbers to the UUA in February. She submitted the dues checks authorized by the Board last month to the UUA and the MDD. She has completed the W-2 and W-9 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND OTHER GATHERINGS Socrates Café, 9:15 each Sunday: If you are an early riser and want to share coffee and conversation with others, join us before the service on Sunday mornings for the Socrates Cafe. The topics vary, depending on current events, group decisions, or who is attending. The discussions are always lively, with many differing ideas and points of view. We emphasize our UU principles, especially that of respect. Philosophy at Four: Each Thursday, join this gaggle of philosophers who are continuing their philosophical journey. Contact Steve Acker ( ) for additional information. Move Furniture from Fellowship Hall: 3/1 after the service. In preparation for having the floors stripped and waxed, please stay after the service and help move furniture onto the carpeted areas. Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

4 Social Justice Committee: Tuesday, 23/3, 6:00. We will continue to discuss the way forward in our social justice thrust for Come and put in your two cents! Happy Bookers: Lunch Meeting: Wednesday, 3/4, 11:30 at Victoria s Deli. Book discussion: Wednesday, March 18th at 4:00pm.Our current book selection is Wild by Cheryl Strayed. This is "a memoir of the story of an eleven-hundred-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe - and built her back up again". Our book choice for April is Be Safe I Love You, by Cara Hoffman. Singing Practice: Usually held each Thursday at 6:00, there will be no singing practice in March. Program Committee: Friday, 3/6, 4:30 E.A.S.T (East Side Action Support Team) Board Meeting: Tuesday, 3/10, 5:30, at King Taco Member Support Committee: Wednesday, 3/11, 4:00 Board of Directors: Wednesday, 3/11, 6:15 Fellowship Breakfast: Friday, 3/13, 9:00. Join us at the Main Espresso Bar (421 N. Main), where the food and atmosphere is just right! Social Justice Movie and Potluck: Saturday, 3/14. Bring a dish for the potluck at 5:00 and stay for the film and discussion. In honor of Women s History Month, from Maria Shriver s groundbreaking multi-platform project for HBO, The Shriver Report: A Woman s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink, Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert tells the moving story of a year in the life of one mother whose daily struggles illuminate the challenges faced by 42 million American women and the 28 million children who depend on them. Filmed in Chattanooga, TN, the film follows a year in the life of Katrina Gilbert, a 30-year-old woman earning just above the minimum wage as a certified nursing assistant. Katrina never expected to be a single mother of three young children, living paycheck to paycheck and barely scraping by. But after leaving her husband whose addiction to painkillers destroyed their marriage and gutted their finances Katrina finds herself living in a trailer and providing sole support to her children. Pueblo Pagans: Usually held on third Wednesdays, there will be no meetings of the Pueblo Pagans in March. Congregational Growth Meeting: 3/16, 5:00: Come one, come all (but especially committee chairs) to discuss progress in initiatives associated with congregational growth. Saturday Night Movie and Potluck: 3/28, 5:00. Bring a dish to share for the potluck and then stay for the film and discussion at 6:30. The Grand Seduction is a funny, quirky, and very entertaining movie about a small, dying fishing village in Canada. A town doctor must be procured to secure a lucrative business contract. When unlikely candidate and big-city doctor Paul Lewis falls into their lap for a trial residence, the townsfolk rally together to charm his into staying. As the doctor's time in the village draws to a close, mayor Murray French has no choice but to pull out all the stops and begin the grand seduction. Four-star raves on Netflix and Amazon. (1 hour 53 mins, PG13.) Ice Cream Sunday, 3/29. We will celebrate March birthdays after the service with organic ice cream. If your birthday comes in March, let us know your favorite flavor so we can honor you properly. A flame within a chalice represents the Unitarian Universalist Association and is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith. SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER The Social Justice Committee has decided to partner with the East Side Action Support Team (E.A.S.T.), an organization founded by Janet Wilson of the Pueblo House (the Lil Red House) to help bring music, art, and other learning activities to the youth of the East Side. As our neighbors, we want to involved ourselves so that we can determine how we can help support this new organization. Each month, one of our Social Justice Committee members will attend E.A.S.T s monthly Board meeting as visitors to keep pace with their activities and let our membership know how we can help. Jan Butorac attended the February meeting, and following are some of her observations: Celina Chacon, our FUS friend and regular attendee, is a Board Member of E.A.S.T. It was fun to see her there! She has been an East Sider all her life. Representatives from many organizations that support E.A.S.T. were in attendance, including Andrea de la Garza, the East Side Coordinator; Zachary Valdez, head of La Junta Youth Sports in the Diamond Jim building; Carla Hendrickson of Pueblo Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

5 Architecture Board; the head of the East Side Boys and Girls Club; a representative of Pueblo Urban Renewal; Robert Cheta, owner of the Bethel Church that is for sale; Carla Henderson, head of the Pueblo Archeological and Historical Society; and Rudy Fuentes, the new Pueblo Recreational Coordinator. The group discussed some grants that they are attempting to acquire, and Jan offered to help Janet review a major grant that was not funded to provide feedback and coaching. Some Attendees at E.A.S.T. Meeting: Janet Wilson, Chair; Naomi Morales, Secretary; Cheryl Young Board Member; and Celina Chacon, Board Member Carla Henderson asked for support for the Pueblo Archeological and Historical Society s exhibit on Drop City at Rawlings Library, asked for entries to their poster contest, and offered to show the documentary about Drop City to groups on request (see box below). There was discussion about a number of other topics, including the community garden, partnering with other Pueblo organizations, coordinating activities with other similar organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, and fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Yours in Justice, Social Justice Committee STEWARDSHIP: PREPARING FOR OUR ANNUAL PLEDGE CANVASS Our annual stewardship campaign is coming up this spring, and it s time to ponder how our monetary (and other) support can help keep things going here at FUS. We operate on a shoestring budget, with little money to cover operating expenses, programs, and social justice activities. The act of pledging helps so much in our ability to predict when and how much money we will have in our coffers to pay for insurance, electricity, guest speakers, religious education materials, and many other operating expenses, as well as our commitment to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to send them $84.00 per member per year so they can keep their own programs going. This per-member commitment by all UU churches nationwide is the UUA s only source of operating funds, and FUS has been unable to meet our obligation this past year. Friday, March 6, 6:00 8:00: Join the InfoZone News Museum and The Pueblo Archaeological and Historical Society for a First Friday exhibit opening reception that will kick off events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Drop City. Drop City: Photographs by Myron Wood will showcase photographs taken of Drop City by photographer Myron Wood. Drop City was a counterculture artists' community that formed near Trinidad, CO in Abandoned by the early 1970s, it became known as the first rural "hippie commune." People from around the world came to stay and work on the construction projects. Inspired by the architectural ideas of Buckminster Fuller and Steve Baer, residents constructed domes and zonohedra to house themselves, using panels made from automobile roofs and other inexpensive materials. This exhibition highlights a selection of Woods views of Drop City in 1967 and Over March, April, and May, the Finance Committee (Don Bruestle, Chair, Louise Burg, and Jan Butorac) will use this newsletter and other methods of communication to inform you about where we are financially and how critical this year s pledge campaign is to our future viability. John Wolf, the Minister Emeritus of a UU church in Tulsa, once wrote: There is only one reason for joining a Unitarian Universalist church and that is: to support it. You want to support it because it stands against superstition and fear. Because this church points to what is noblest and best in human life. Because it is open to women and men of whatever race, creed, color, place of origin, or sexual orientation. You want to support a UU church because it is more concerned with human beings than with dogmas. Because it searches for the holy, rather than dwelling upon the depraved. You want to support a UU church because it stands for something in a day when religion is still more concerned with platitudes than with prejudice Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

6 and war. There is only one reason for joining a Unitarian Universalist church: to support it! Let s All Bring One Item a Week for the Cooperative Care Center Box! The Pueblo Cooperative Care Center provides food, clothing, and hygiene products to those in need. FUS has a box by the front door for donations to Cooperative Care, and it s just waiting for your contributions! They always welcome any of the following: Soups (canned and Healthy snacks for dried) kids Beans (canned and Instant potatoes and dried) stuffing Toilet paper Flour and sugar Canned meats Diapers PB & J Personal care items Mac and cheese Rice This Year s Campaign Is Very Important. As we approach our pledge campaign, let s each look inside for what it is that we most treasure and value about First Unitarian Society and make a personal commitment as we are each able to do so to empower those values in living community. Schedule of Events: Here s a high level schedule of activities for our stewardship campaign for March: All committees determine their budgetary needs April: Committees submit budget requests to the Treasurer and Finance Committee The Treasurer and Finance Committee formulate a proposed budget for , based on the requests by the various committees, and present it to the Board. May: Stewardship Dinner, May 16: We gather for a super pot-luck dinner to simply enjoy each other s company as a celebration of FUS. You will be treated to a brief slide show about our financial circumstances and budget, with pledging information. Stewardship Sunday, May 17: Our sermon for that day is on the topic of stewardship, and pledge cards are distributed after the service. Congregation returns pledge cards to the Treasurer. June: All pledge cards returned by May 31 Board adjusts preliminary budget based on actual pledge total Board presents final budget to congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting on June 28; we also vote on the slate of candidates presented by the nominating committee for open Board positions. So now you know (almost) everything you need to know to start thinking about how you can financially support FUS in the coming fiscal year! Best, Jan Butorac, for the Finance Committee REV. PALLAS STANFORD TALKS ABOUT MINDFUL COMMUNICATION On February 8, Rev. Stanford offered a thoughtful sermon on how mindfulness can enhance the quality of our conversations and help us begin to more faithfully unfold the lives we long to lead. Rev. Stanford on Conversations that Matter Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

7 IVY S SHOWINGS AT PUEBLO HERITAGE MUSEUM APPRECIATED BY ALL Ib and Midge Birgers congratulate Ivy Cartier on her pieces in the show at the Heritage Museum. BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE LOOKS FORWARD TO THE UPCOMING CHURCH YEAR The Nominating Committee is an elected committee whose main duty is to prepare a slate of candidates to fill open Board of Trustee positions. This year, your Nominating Committee is comprised of Ib Birgers and William Sandoval, with one open slot to be determined. These folks also propose the next year s nominating committee. It is the responsibility of this committee to evaluate the needs of FUS and the qualifications of prospective candidates. If more than one person is interested in a position, the committee has the discretion to evaluate each candidate and present the slate they believe meets the needs of FUS. The process goes like this: Anyone who is interested in or has suggestions to serve on the Board or Nominating Committee should speak to one of the members. (Those eligible to run must be members in good standing, and must have been a member for at least one year.) The slate is completed and reviewed by the Board in early June. Members are notified of the slate (per by-laws) two weeks before the annual meeting, and the slate is formally presented to the members at the annual meeting, which is scheduled for June 28 after the service. The congregation votes on the slate of candidates (as well as the new budget). So What s In Store for This Year? At this time, the status of the Board positions is as follows: President: Steve Acker (One year remaining) Vice President: Midge Birgers (Term up at end of FY) Secretary: Kate Langworthy (Term up at end of FY) Treasurer: Jan Butorac (One year remaining) At Large (Member Services): Dorie Silverman (Term up at end of FY) At Large (Programs): Shawn Collins (Term up at end of FY) At Large (Operations): Louise Burg (One year remaining) Open positions that require nominations: Vice President: Two-year term Secretary: Two-year term At Large (Member Services): Two-year term At-Large (Programs): Two-year term Let anyone on the Nominating Committee know if you are interested in any of these positions! FUS needs you! INSPIRATIONAL READINGS FROM YOU! We all enjoyed and learned from the inspirational readings from the volunteers who presented a favorite reading to the congregation on February 1. Steve, Ethyl, Sandy, Maria, Ivy, Gary, and Midge gave readings. (Doug did too, but left too early to get in the picture sorry!) Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

8 The Mission of the First Unitarian Society of Pueblo We are a diverse, welcoming community which celebrates spiritual and religious freedom, nurtures growth and learning, and works toward a more compassionate, tolerant, and sustainable world. FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF PUEBLO Board of Directors: Steve Acker, President; Midge Birgers, Vice President; Kate Langworthy, Secretary; Jan Butorac, Treasurer; Shawn Collins, Louise Burg, and Dorie Silverman, Directors at Large Pianist/Harpist: Myrna Steele Chalice Flame Editor: Jan Butorac FUS Administrator: Michele Barnes Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

9 MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Socrates Café: 9:15 Service: 10:30 Shawn Collins, Midge Birgers, and Jan Butorac Famous Unitarian Universalist Women Service Leader: Michele Barnes After service: Please stay to help move furniture from fellowship area. Social Justice Committee Meeting: 6:00 Floor waxing Happy Bookers Lunch: 11:30, Victoria s Deli Wild by Cheryl Strayed Floor waxing Philosophy at 4:00 NO Singing Practice Program Committee: 4: Socrates Café: 9:15 Service: 10:30 Shawn Collins Life at Death s Door Service Leader: Janice Nelson E.A.S.T. Board Meeting: 5:30, Lucero Library Member Support Committee: 4:00 FUS Board of Directors Meeting: 6:15 Philosophy at 4:00 NO Singing Practice Fellowship Breakfast: 9:00, 5 th and Main Espresso Bar Fundraising Breakfast: 8:30 Socrates Café: 9:15 Service: 10:30 Maria Adkins Ritual Is Not a Dirty Word Service Leader: Cyndi Rand Congregational Growth Meeting: 5:00 Happy Bookers Discussion: 4:00-5:30 NO Pueblo Pagans Philosophy at 4:00 NO Singing Practice Socrates Café: 9:15 Service: 10:30 Michele Barnes Ostara: The Spring Equinox Service Leader: Dorie Silverman Socrates Café: 9:15 Service: 10:30 Rabbi Birdie Becker Celebrating Pesach/Passover Service Leader: Louise Burg Philosophy at 4:00 NO Singing Practice Books and Brunch is on a short hiatus. Social Justice Potluck & Documentary: 5:00/6:30 Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert Movie and Pot- Luck Night: 5:00/6:30 The Grand Seduction All functions are held at FUS unless otherwise noted. Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net

10 First Unitarian Society 110 S. Lacrosse Avenue Pueblo, Colorado Our facility is handicap accessible. ABOUT THE FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY The First Unitarian Society (FUS) is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Mountain/Desert District of the UUA. Our religious organization is non-creedal and encourages free inquiry and exploration of ideas. Members are not required to share the same beliefs; we come from a variety of backgrounds including lifelong UUs, humanists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, pagans, agnostics, atheists, and others. FUS welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons. For more information, see and or find us on Facebook at First Unitarian Society of Pueblo. If you would like to either subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, contact pueblounitarian@earthlink.net. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES We covenant to affirm and promote the Principals and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregation; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and all society; The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Page South La Crosse Ave. Pueblo, Colorado pueblounitarian@earthlink.net